People who work secretly for a government or other organization, especially in order to get information or to influence events.
Operatives are often thought of as mysterious and sneaky.
Examples:
The operatives were sent to gather information about the enemy.
The spy was one of their best operatives.
The operatives worked in the shadows, unseen by anyone.
The operatives used their special skills to complete the mission.
The operatives were like secret agents in a movie.
The operatives always wore dark clothes and hats to hide their faces.